Indeed, if there’s any season where cooking should be a top source of self-care and comfort, it’s winter—we have to fight a bit harder than usual to keep our immune systems in tip-top shape, after all. Crafting the majority of our meals ourselves will help ensure we’re getting all the nutrients we need and help us enjoy the slowness of the season along the way.
The following healthy one dish meals are heavy on the vegetables, bold in flavor, light on prep work, and all about the coziness factor. Plus, each of these recipes will make an excellent choice for meal prepping or batch-cooking, so you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your efforts throughout the week.
8 healthy one dish meals to make this winter—and all year ’round
Winter Minestrone
What could be cozier than a hearty, veggie-rich soup recipe from the Barefoot Contessa herself? This dish will be your new meal prep mainstay as it’s full of vitamin-rich seasonal produce, white beans, and a flavorful broth that tastes even better over the next few days. Plus, it features a bonus garlic bruschetta recipe if you want to go all-out.
Get the recipe: Winter Minestrone
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Speaking of seasonal produce, Erin Clarke of Well Plated lets all our favorites shine in this meat-free twist on a classic winter comfort food. A mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms brings a hefty dose of umami goodness while that mashed potato topping is absolute bliss on a chilly night.
Get the recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Baked Tandoori Chicken and Veggies
Warm up from the inside out (and make your kitchen smell amazing along the way) with this sheet pan tandoori recipe from Sylvie Fountaine of Feasting At Home. It can be made with chicken or tofu and whatever vegetables you have on hand for a delicious dinner that only requires 15 minutes of prep.
Get the recipe: Baked Tandoori Chicken and Veggies
Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
This one’s for the friend group with all the dietary restrictions. Now, you don’t have to sweat planning your next supper club, thanks to this wholesome, smoky, simple soup by Michele of Paleo Running Mama. It’s Paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free to suit anyone’s dietary habits. Ask friends to bring the gluten-free sourdough and a bottle (or two) natural wine, and you have a memorable meal.
Get the recipe: Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
Baked Salmon with Feta and Vegetables
Who says you can’t get a seriously nutritious dinner on the table in 20 minutes? Suzy of The Mediterranean Dish brings some of her kitchen magic to your own home with this versatile dinner that will help you use up leftover herbs and veggies while getting a much-needed omega-3 and vitamin D boost.
Get the recipe: Baked Salmon with Feta and Veggies
Winter Frittata
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we love a frittata, and this recipe from Tiffani Theissen is perfect for the winter season. Caramelized brussels sprouts, punchy red onion, and creamy feta elevate this simple dish into an elegant meal that will make weekday mornings feel special.
Get the recipe: Winter Frittata
One Pot Pasta Bolognese
What would a roundup of healthy one dish meals be without a cozy pasta dish in your dinner arsenal? We are in love with this recipe from Nagi of Recipe Tin Eats as it requires just one pot and 30 minutes of your time to get a comforting meal from stove to table. Pro tip: Use beef bone broth to further amp up the immune-boosting factor.
Get the recipe: One Pot Pasta Bolognese
One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo
This 35-minute meal will have you dreaming of spring, but in the best way. Jamie of Dishing Out Health combines our need of a cozy, warming meal this time of year with all the zesty, colorful flavors of next season for a dish you’ll love making again and again.
Get the recipe: One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo